Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-07-05
ADVICE TO TURKEY.
WHAT HER ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP
AMOUNTS N In THE LONG RUN.


LONDON, July Although the Turkish
commissioners have asked for more time
in which to decide whether the porte shall
adhere to its agreement with the English
government represented by Sir Henry d.
Wolf concerning the government OF Egypt
it is likely that the Sultan's decision will
be announced to-day. What that decision
will be is left to conjecture as the Turkish
government has given NO sign other than
temporising with England on ono hand
and with France and Russia on the other,
that il will ratify or repudiate the treaty;
but it is reasonably certain that within
the time gained by the several postpone
ments OF the ratification the Sultan has
ascertained precisely what is to be
gained or lost by definite action one way
or the other. The assertion is frequent
ly made and generally credited that
Turkey would best further her interests
BY retaining the friendship Of Englaod,
and in support Of this postulate are men
toned many examples Of so-called advan-
tage to Turkey acquired through England
in reQuital Of the sultan's cooperation
with Great Britain or his independent &C.
ton in that governments behalf. To the
superficial observer or reader OF modern
history this would seem true, but the sum
total OF benefit derived by Turkey from her
numerous dealings with England from the
beginning of the Crimean war to the pres
ent time is 40 infinitessimally small in COM
parison with the profits England has real.
lied from the same copartnership that the
English enthusiast must stand aghast
when confronted with the balance sheet.
As a matter Of fact Turkey has never
received Of or through England an inch
of territory or a pound sterling that she
was not compelled TO pay for many times
over or that she could not have obtained
from any other power in Europe by max
ing the same sacrifices or performing the
same services. English statesmen and
English holders OF Turkish bonds may
claim that Turkey owes England q vast
debt OF gratitude aud pounds Of sterling,
but this inexorable law Of equity will ad-
NIT of another construction showing that
England rather than Turkey is the debtor.
Should the Sultan refuse 10 sign the treaty
and throw himself on the protection France
has offered him ~ the price Of his refusal
he could be no worse of than now and
possibly would secure advantages that
England is powerless or disinclined To put
in his way. The French Government
can afford TO offer better terms
for Turkeys assistance in driving
England from Egypt than England
can give for the Sultan's aid in prolonging
the present situation. Probably had the
Sultan received the same ASSURANCES OF
protection of France before the negotia-
ton of the treaty that have since been
offered by England he would have accept.
ed them. The French government has
gone too far in Offering inducements 10
Turkey 10 withdraw her from new relations
with England. 10 reeede should II wish
to; and even Russia has tacitly committed
herelf To policy Of inactivity no far M
English interests are concerned In her
efforts 10 achieve the same result. To
what extent these offers have iDtiuenced
the Sultan cannot, Of courSe, be surmissd,
hut the willy Turk may be depended on To
accept the situation promising the most
speedy advantages.